PBA: Phoenix stops Terrafirma streak

Jason Perkins celebrates after a point for Phoenix. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix chalked up its second win in three games after halting Terrafirma, 96-84, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Thursday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Fuel Masters improved to 3-5 while the Dyip got their three-game winning streak snapped as they slipped to an identical record.

Holding a slim 69-64 at the end of the third, Phoenix quickly jumped to a 15-3 run to start the fourth with RJ Jazul’s three giving the Fuel Masters an 84-67 lead with 7:56 to play in the quarter.

Justin Chua then gave Phoenix its biggest lead of the game when he converted on a layup for the 92-74 margin with 3:10 to play.

“They beat San Miguel, they beat Ginebra, they beat Blackwater, that means they’re here on a mission so we just respected that,” said Phoenix head coach Topex Robinson. “We know that if we’re not going to give our best basketball, I mean, that’s a recipe for a loss for us.”

5:30 4q Perkins gets by Gabayni down low; 88-72 Phoenix lead #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/AuodbDiuwP

— PBA (@pbaconnect) September 9, 2021

Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 28 points, 20 of which were scored in the first half, with four rebounds and four assists while Vic Manuel added 18 points.

Matthew Wright also finished in double digits for the Fuel Masters with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Aldrech Ramos had 13 points for the Dyip while Joseph Gabayni added 11 points and eight rebounds.

Juami Tiongson, who averaged 23 points a game during Terrafirma’s three-game winning streak, got limited to eight points on 2-of-10 shooting.